The Sill Journal / Plants 101

Plants 101, made simple.

Everything a brand-new plant parent needs, with none of the jargon. Start here and build from the ground up.

112 articles
Showing 1–16 of 112
How to Maintain Your Bonsai Tree’s ShapePlants 101
Featured Article

How to Maintain Your Bonsai Tree’s Shape

Wondering how to prune a bonsai tree to keep it from looking wild and leggy? This quick guide breaks down the essential steps to maintain dense foliage and perfect symmetry on your...

4 min read
How To Plant a Bulb LasagnaPlants 101

How To Plant a Bulb Lasagna

Master the art of layered planting with our guide to the "bulb lasagna." This simple technique uses a single container or small...

4 min read
5 Causes For Your Plant's Browning LeavesPlants 101

5 Causes For Your Plant's Browning Leaves

Don't let brown leaves get you down—they aren't a sign of failure, just feedback! Discover the 5 most common causes of browning...

5 min read
How To Care for a Key LimePlants 101

How To Care for a Key Lime

Learn how to care and create the best growing conditions for a Key Lime.

4 min read
How To Care for a Meyer LemonPlants 101

How To Care for a Meyer Lemon

Learn how to care and create the best growing conditions for a Meyer Lemon.

4 min read
10 Best Low Light Indoor Plants for Your Home or OfficePlants 101

10 Best Low Light Indoor Plants for Your Home or Office

Looking to green up your space but don’t have tons of natural sunlight? No problem. Here are our top 10 low light...

4 min read
Apple Trees 101: PollinationPlants 101

Apple Trees 101: Pollination

Learn the basics of pollination for apple trees, why it’s so important, and how you can ensure that your trees get the...

4 min read
How to Grow and Care for Amaryllis Bulbs IndoorsPlants 101

How to Grow and Care for Amaryllis Bulbs Indoors

Amaryllis bulbs are a fantastic way to bring bright, bold blooms into your indoor space, especially during the colder months. With their impressive...

4 min read
How to Care for a Peperomia GinnyPlants 101

How to Care for a Peperomia Ginny

Learn how to care for the Peperomia Ginny or Tricolor Peperomia—a popular, pet-safe houseplant with colorful, variegated leaves.

2 min read
How To Increase Humidity for HouseplantsPlants 101

How To Increase Humidity for Houseplants

Although thick, humid air can be a pain for humans, it can be beneficial for plants. Here’s how to create a more...

2 min read
How To Care for a Snake PlantPlants 101

How To Care for a Snake Plant

Snake Plants or Dracaena trifasciata are beautiful houseplants native to tropical western Africa.

4 min read
How To Care for a Spider PlantPlants 101

How To Care for a Spider Plant

Read on for simple instructions on how to care for a spider plant.

5 min read
How to Care for a Money Tree PlantPlants 101

How to Care for a Money Tree Plant

Originally hailing from Central and South America, the money tree plant (Pachira Aquatica) holds a beloved superstition directly related to its name.

4 min read
How to Care for a DracaenaPlants 101

How to Care for a Dracaena

With spiky leaves stretching up like a corn stalk, the dracaena is one of the most popular houseplants for beginning plant parents.

4 min read
How To Care for a Yucca PlantPlants 101

How To Care for a Yucca Plant

The dramatic, spiky yucca plant provides a majestic landscaping option outdoors and a delightful small tree indoors.

5 min read
How To Care for a Hoya PlantPlants 101

How To Care for a Hoya Plant

The Hoya is also known as the wax plant because of its waxy leaves.

5 min read